Sebastien Haller has won 206 aerial battles in the Premier League this season but has not yet scored a headed goal this season, so we feel David Moyes should rethink his matchday strategy.
The Frenchman is clearly the strongest player in the air in the top-flight, winning 56 more aerial duels than second-placed Joelinton and 63 more than Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk (PremierLeague.com).
Therefore, we feel West Ham need to start playing to the striker’s strengths if they want to have a good chance of staying the Premier League this season.
We believe Moyes needs to start encouraging his team to cross the ball to Haller more often.
Against Arsenal, left-back Aaron Cresswell put in eight crosses, the most in the team (WhoScored) and we feel the team’s wingers need to follow his example.
Pablo Fornals only crossed the ball once in the entire 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, so it’s clear to see that the ball needs to be put up more for Haller inside the opposition box because he will most likely win the duel.
Haller isn’t the most mobile centre-forward, so trying to play him in-behind defenders may not be the most effective strategy.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker won eight headers against the Gunners, four more than strike-partner Michail Antonio, who delivered three crosses (WhoScored).
Judging by this statistic, maybe Moyes should consider shifting Antonio onto the right flank because he can use his pace and strength to get down the wing and fire crosses in for Haller.
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